The first tidbits of information regarding the story and characters of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XVI have come to light, as revealed on the game’s gorgeous new official website. The site features sections dedicated to The World and The Characters, along with messages from two members of the development team, producer Naoki Yoshida and game director Hiroshi Takai.
Final Fantasy XVI will take place in Valisthea, a world covered in glittering mountains of crystal known as Mothercrystals, that bless the surrounding realms in aether, and allow “people to conjure magicks that let them live lives of comfort and plenty”. The Mothercrystals help sustain an uneasy peace between six powerful factions, which is now at risk to a spreading Blight.
Throughout Valisthea, people known as Dominants act as hosts to Eikons, powerful and deadly creatures that are both feared and revered. Each faction deals with its Dominant differently, some using them for war, while others treat them like royalty. The factions of Valisthea include The Grand Duchy of Rosaria, The Holy Empire of Sanbreque, The Kingdom of Waloed, The Dhalmekian Republic, The Iron Kingdom and The Crystalline Dominion.
Players will take on the role of Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria, a Shield who protects his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix. Clive and Joshua will be familiar to those who have seen the initial reveal trailer, with the brothers – and Joshua’s Eikon – featuring prominently. Along their quest to defeat The Blight, the brothers will be joined by their childhood friend, Jill Warrick. Jill was taken from her homeland at a tender age to become a ward of Rosaria, securing peace between the two warring nations – and becoming a close confidant of the Rosfield.
As with most Final Fantasy things… I am very confused. I just know that the Eikons look cool.
There is no firm release date for Final Fantasy XVI, but if swirling rumours are to be believed, it is much closer than we may think.